Synthesis and Biological Testing of Ester Pheromone Analogues for Two Fruitworm Moths (Carposinidae)

A range of ester pheromone analogues for carposinid moths were synthesized and evaluated for biological activity. The analogues aimed to take advantage of the structural commonality of (7Z)-alken-11-ones found in this family. Analogues were tested on two pest species: Heterocrossa rubophaga and Coscinoptycha improbana. Two of the analogues, (2Z)-nonenyl nonanoate and (4Z)-heptyl undecenoate, elicited significant electroantennogram responses. Only (4Z)-heptyl undecenoate gave consistent responses with both moth species in single sensillum recording. Field trapping trials were conducted with these two analogues both individually and in combination with the pheromone of each of the two moth species. No attraction was observed to either of the analogues alone, by either moth species. However, when (4Z)-heptyl undecenoate was coupled with the pheromone, it produced a strong inhibitory effect in H. rubophaga, reducing male moth trap catch by over 95%. No inhibitory effect on male moth trap catch was observed in C. improbana.